Keyboards with VIA compatible firmwares can have their layouts easily configured with the VIA Configurator, a user-space application that can be run without any special permissions and that supports Linux! This method removes the need to build and re-flash a new firmware into the keyboard each time that it has to be re-programmed, which is time consuming and requires tools not supporting Linux.
Even though the factory firmware in my KBDfans KBD67v2 is not VIA compatible, it is actually supported by VIA and they provide a new firmware for this keyboard. So, let’s upgrade it:
-
Download VIA compatible firmware from https://caniusevia.com/docs/download_firmware/
- The file for KBDv2 is
kbdfans_kbd67_rev2_via.hex
- The file for KBDv2 is
-
Flash VIA firmware to KDB67v2 with QMK Toolbox
QMK Toolbox only works on Windows or Mac systems
- (Re-)Connect the keyboard in bootloader mode by pressing
Space + B
while you plug its USB cable - Launch QMK Toolbox
- Select
kbdfans_kbd67_rev2_via.hex
as Local file - Select
atmega32u4
as Microcontroller - Select
kbdfans/kbd67/rev2
as Keyboard - Click
Flash
(disabled if the keyboard is not in bootloader mode, see step 2.1)
- (Re-)Connect the keyboard in bootloader mode by pressing
Download and install VIA Configurator
With this new firmware, VIA Configurator now recognizes my KBD67v2 on launch and I can not only configure its multiple layout layers, but also control the backlight settings. All changes are applied and stored in the keyboard on-the-fly as well.